Buck the Dog isn’t letting fame go to his head. Star of the recent book, Buck’s New Home, this Boston Terrier would rather cuddle up under a blanket on the sofa than walk the red carpet and sign autographs. But at his home in Ocala, Florida, Buck has become a neighborhood sensation – protector of dogs, lizard warrior, and sneaker of snacks.
Linda Arvanitis, known to Buck as “The Lady” and author of Buck’s New Home, dotes on Buck, protecting him from pesky pinecones, attack snakes, and helps him solve the mystery of his ever-moving sunny spots. Buck was destined for death row when The Lady and The Man took him in. And now Buck returns the favor through his hilarious take on life and antics which provide the inspiration for Linda’s stories.
We recently sat down with Buck on his cozy sofa in Ocala.
Buck, thank you for taking the time to meet with us today.
No problem. Say, I can’t help but notice that you smell like tortilla chips. You don’t happen to have one on you, do you?
No, I am sorry to say that I had tortilla chips for lunch but I don’t have any on me now. Buck, you were on doggie death row when The Lady picked you up. She said you were completely rambunctious and she fell in love with you immediately.
Yeah, she showed up in this minivan. I didn’t have the heart to tell her that I preferred something much more sporty. But she did let me stick my head out the window for a few minutes and warn all the squirrels and lizards that I was coming and that I meant business. Then she let me run around her backyard and stake out my own territory. The Lady is pretty awesome.
Tell us about your vendetta against the lizards and squirrels.
Well clearly they don’t realize that this is MY YARD. It is MY NEIGHBORHOOD. I can’t have this little terrible things running around usurping my authority. The Lady cheers me on, so I am pretty sure she wants me to catch one. They like to hide in the trees you know. Stupid lizards.
Do the other dogs in the neighborhood feel the same way?
Look, I have to tell you, I know you are hiding a tortilla chip somewhere. It is really distracting. Do you mind if I just check your pockets?
Yes! I do mind! Please just sit back down.
Chillax, man! We are all friends here. But look! I found some tortilla chip crumbs in the fold of your shirt. I took care of it for you. You’re welcome, by the way.
OK, can we get back to the interview?
Yes, but we need to move down the couch a little bit. My sunny spot has moved.
Better?
Absolutely.
We talked to The Lady before your interview and she told me that you are some kind of hero in the neighborhood. Can you tell us about that?
Well, I wouldn’t go that far. There was another dog running down the street with his kids trying to catch him. He must have been chasing a lizard because he was like super focused. Naturally, I wanted to see what the fuss was about and help him catch that thing! So I leapt off the porch to help him, which must have startled him because he stopped running. His kids caught up with him and they were so happy! Then they called me a hero because I let them catch up to their dog. But in my eyes, the lizard got away, which I regret.
Buck, since the book came out, how has this changed your life?
Well, The Lady is super excited about it which makes me happy and when she is happy she gives me cookies which makes me happy. You…don’t happen to have any cookies on you, do you?
No. Just this pencil and my paper. Buck, is there anything else that has changed?
Well, The Lady brings me to book signings. I get to sign with my little paw print. I get to meet a lot of people which I like. They give me good tickles and belly rubs. I like all that. But when I get home, all I want to do is snuggle up on the couch with my blanket over my head. That cute orange one. See, over there?
You mean this blanket?
Yes. The Lady covers me all up except for my nose. Why don’t you try?
Like this?
Yes….just…like…that.
Buck? …Buck?
And like that, the interview was over. But you can read more about Buck on his Facebook page: Buck The Dog
Buck’s New Home – A Buck the Dog Tale is the first in a series of stories about Buck, the awesome Boston Terrier. You can order your copy at: The Word Verve
